I listened to a podcast featuring a “progressive” Christian pastor. His main argument was that some things most Christians have been taught that are “sins” are not actually Biblical sin.  Of course, he focused on what I call the ‘big three”:  Homosexuality, transgenderism, and abortion. Why are these the big three?  Because in our society and culture today, no other sin shows the complete disdain for God’s purpose and character.  The more we practice and/or accept these things as natural, the further we drift away from God. They are definite and solid indicators of our distance from God.

This minister used the old “Jesus never said it” argument.  This is an argument from omission:  determining doctrine from what Jesus didn’t say. First, the words of Jesus carry no more authority than the rest of scripture.  All scripture is God-breathed. ALL.  Therefore, what Jesus didn’t specifically say, the rest of scripture will cover.  

But let’s look at what Jesus did say that speaks to these issues.  “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?” (Matthew‬ 19‬:4‬-5‬ NIV‬‬). In just two verses Jesus destroys the claim that “Jesus never said it” as far as homosexualism and transgenderism.  God created only two sexes, and those two sexes are meant for each other, especially in marriage.  

What about abortion?  Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”  (Matthew‬ 5‬:21‬-22‬ NIV‬‬).  He didn’t say murder was now ok, he deepened the meaning to include anger, which is an underlying cause of murder.  And what is abortion? It is the taking of an innocent life.  It is most definitely murder.

Even if Jesus never said it, though, those practices, in both Leviticus and Romans, are condemned as sinful.  Progressive Christianity is a sham, meant to scratch those ears that are itching to hear what pleases carnal mankind. It may fill some pews, but it will never fill the heart with truth that brings us closer to God.